Military members over the age of 18 would be exempt should the law go into effect.
The state of Texas moved one step closer Tuesday to raising its legal smoking age to 21. Like most states, its current legal age to purchase tobacco products is 18. The state Senate had already approved an earlier version of the bill, but the House made some revisions before passing a preliminary version.
Rep. John Zerwas, a physician from the greater Houston area, sponsored the legislation. He said young adults typically get addicted to tobacco products — including electronic versions — and that this bill was meant to protect the younger generation. Republican Rep. Matt Schaefer of Tyler was the House member who added the military amendment that stated all military members over 18 — not just those on active duty — would be exempt.
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